Emerging Additive Manufacturing Technologies Research Engineer
Grand Prairie, Texas OR Orlando, Florida
Description:
You will be the Senior Staff Research Engineer for the Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) team. Our team is responsible for identifying, developing, and transitioning next-generation additive manufacturing technologies to enable future mission-critical systems across Lockheed Martin.
What You Will Be Doing
As the Senior Staff Research Engineer, you will lead the identification, evaluation, and maturation of emerging additive manufacturing materials, processes, and digital technologies spanning low-to-mid Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Emerging Materials Development
- Identify and evaluate new material systems for additive manufacturing, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and multifunctional materials
- Advance new alloys for established additive manufacturing processes
- Support development of novel advanced materials for next-generation applications and to address future production needs
Emerging Process Development
- Evaluate and mature alternative additive manufacturing processes (e.g., binder jetting, DED, hybrid manufacturing, resin-based sintering / vat photopolymerization with debind-and-sinter workflows, and other emerging methods)
- Develop understanding of process-structure-property relationships
- Assess scalability and transition potential for production environments
Technology Scouting & Strategy
- Identify emerging technologies across industry, academia, and national laboratories
- Assess technical maturity, manufacturability, and strategic relevance
- Evaluate emerging technologies and candidate applications to develop strong business cases based on technical value, manufacturability, cost, schedule, and transition potential
- Recommend investment priorities aligned to Lockheed Martin needs
Transition to Application
- Partner with program teams to transition technologies into real applications
- Support early qualification and risk reduction strategies
- Enable enterprise-wide adoption across multiple business areas
Digital Manufacturing & Software Integration
- Drive adoption of advanced AM software ecosystems including:
- Computational design tools
- MES/workflow platforms
- Data analytic platforms
- Support development of a digital thread from design through production
AI-Driven Manufacturing Innovation
- Identify and apply AI/ML approaches in:
- In-situ monitoring and qualification
- Generative design and optimization
- Materials discovery and predictive modeling
- Collaborate with internal AI/ML teams to accelerate innovation
Why Join Us
You will help define the future of additive manufacturing at Lockheed Martin. This role provides the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide technology strategy and transition cutting-edge innovations into real-world defense applications.
MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN - This position requires the ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
- Significant experience in additive manufacturing technologies
- Experience working with low-to-mid TRL technologies
- Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering fundamentals
- Ability to lead technical efforts and influence cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence across a broad range of stakeholders, including engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and senior leadership
- Must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance
- Graduate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
- Experience across multiple AM modalities (metals, polymers, ceramics, etc.)
- Background in additive materials development or process development
- Experience with digital manufacturing ecosystems and software integration
- Familiarity with AI/ML applications in manufacturing or materials science
- Experience influencing technology strategy at an organizational level
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts across diverse audiences (technicians to executives)
- Proven ability to build partnerships across organizations and drive alignment on emerging technology investments
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $148300.00 - $275500.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
- Significant experience in additive manufacturing technologies
- Experience working with low-to-mid Technology Readiness Level technologies
- Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering fundamentals
- Ability to lead technical efforts and influence cross-functional teams
- Ability to collaborate and influence engineering, manufacturing, and senior leadership stakeholders
- Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Graduate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Experience across multiple additive manufacturing modalities, including metals, polymers, and ceramics
- Background in additive materials development or process development
- Experience with digital manufacturing ecosystems and software integration
- Familiarity with AI/ML applications in manufacturing or materials science
- Experience influencing technology strategy at an organizational level
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to build partnerships across organizations and drive alignment on emerging technology investments
Lockheed Martin Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Lockheed Martin and has not been reviewed or approved by Lockheed Martin.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are described as a standout element, with a strong 401(k) program and options like an employee stock purchase plan. Feedback suggests these features meaningfully enhance total compensation and long‑term financial security.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is portrayed as comprehensive from day one, with multiple plan options, mental health resources, and virtual care. Wellness supports such as on‑site services and preventive programs are also highlighted.
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Flexible Benefits — Work arrangements often include compressed schedules and telework, contributing to a favorable work‑life balance. Feedback suggests this flexibility is a key reason many view the overall package positively.
Lockheed Martin Insights
What We Do
Customer Focus, Innovation and Purpose are Built Into Everything We Do. Lockheed Martin. Your Mission is Ours ™. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
